1981 Renault 5 Turbo

In 1980, seven years after winning the World Rally Championship, Renault introduced the new R5 Turbo as a pure homologation special to enable them to compete in Group 3 and 4 racing and international rally competition. The R5 was based on the production Renault 5 Alpine hatchback, but to meet the demands of its intended mission, Renault engineers scrapped the standard 5's front-engine, front wheel drive layout in favour of a mid-engine, rear drive layout that positioned the engine and gearbox longitudinally behind the front seats.We are pleased to offer this 1981 Renault 5 Turbo which, we understand, was first delivered new to Switzerland where it remained until 2006, before being sold to a collector in Spain. It made its way to the island of Tenerife, where our vendor sourced and purchased the car in 2014. Finished in Dark Blue Metallic paint with Light Blue bumpers and sills, this car has benefitted from a full respray, carried out by the previous owner. According to our vendor, the car received a comprehensive service and new clutch at the same time. The toolkit is partially complete, but importantly, the tool to unlock the engine cover remains in situ. Open the bonnet and the spare wheel also resides in place.Overall, the car is in super condition throughout and we believe the 65,941kms covered, whilst unwarranted, to be correct and commensurate with the condition of the car. Accompanying the sale is a set of 4 original Gotti alloy wheels, which will need refurbishing and new tyres fitted before putting onto the car.Supplied with a NOVA reference number, this car will need to be MOT tested before a UK V5c can be applied for. Rarely do these pocket-rocket supercars come to market and this R5 Turbo offers the perfect opportunity to sit behind the wheel of a 1980's rally icon.